From a list of six candidates, the SPIRIT Executive has approved the appointment of Corporal Lewis Welsh to hold the position, for the first time. The appointment is effective from February 22, and will run until April 30 2013, which covers the two-week festival, scheduled for its grand opening on March 23.

As a proud Sandy Pointer, Welsh has made many contributions to the community, both in his professional capacity as a police officer, as well as personally. Over his 23 years of policing, he has worked with various arms of the police force including the Sandy Point Police Branch and the Crime Scene Investigation Unit amongst others and would’ve ascended to the rank of Corporal in 2008. As testament to his pursuit of personal-advancement he has successfully sat both the intermediary and advanced Inspector police courses.  Off-duty, he has played a tremendous role in the community through his involvement with various community youth and sporting organizations, such as SPABA (Sandy Point Basketball Association), Easterama and has also provided security services to small and large corporations throughout the federation.

SPIRIT President Seanel Riley has noted his pleasure in the appointment and is optimistic in the passion and commitment that Welsh brings to the position.

”Mr. Welsh has been exemplary! He continues to show interest in SPIRIT and has partnered with us on various events in the past. As he takes this post for the first time, we are confident that he will set the trend for the office, as we look to ensure the safety of all Black San’ events.

”Our third year is on its way to being the best yet, and we are determined to assure all our patrons that security is high on the agenda for us,” Riley said.

In this position, Welsh will be responsible for a host of security and emergency issues ranging from general security checks and surveillance at each Black San’ event to organizing road and traffic safety regulations for street events. He will also spearhead Black San’s Emergency Response Strategy and will be responsible for liaising with other security and emergency officials.

Welsh has been appointed under the Special Executive Powers of Appointment in the SPIRIT Charter (2010). He is the first to take the position and has made clear his commitment to publish his security plan in his first few weeks in office.

Press Release